Western NC mountains artifact?

[Jlynn]

My son found this several years ago on property that my family owns on a river. I've taken it to a couple people to look at but they were unable to identify only to say "it's really old!"
It's hollowed on either end but doesn't go all the way through. The coloring looks as though it was stained or painted an orange color. I have other photos if needed.

 

[sweetmimzim3]

I was thinking it may be some sort of plumb bob, but missing the ends.

 

[Jlynn]

Are you familiar with the story of Charles Church finding a native american rock shelter in Valle Crucis on the banks of the Watauga River in the 1960's? It was filled with artifacts and the remains of hundreds of animals. What you have could be some sort of ceremonial piece, associated with a hunting shrine or other such ceremonial purpose .

Awesome! Thanks for that tip! That makes sense because it is so ornamental, it seems all of the other artifacts I see are sonutilitarian. I'll go research that! I'll be back in Valle Crucis later this month so it will be interesting to read up on before I come back.

 

[Jlynn]

So I've sent an email to an Archaeologist at app state who has overseen digs in the area, said he is happy to look at the pictures and offer an opinion. Fingers crossed we might get an answer

 

[luke_00]

Here is a link about the site and has a lot of great information!
http://www.rla.unc.edu/Publications/NCArch/NCA_62.pdf

 

[Jlynn]

Thanks so much! I'll read it as soon as I get a chance.